Combinations of herb extracts having synergistic antioxidant effect, and methods relating thereto

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises mixtures of herb extracts which exert synergistic antioxidant effect and comprise the herb ginger and at least one other herb selected from the group consisting of honeysuckle and  sophora . Skin care preparations incorporating such herb extract mixtures, and their methods of preparation and use, are also claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to combinations of herb extracts whichprovide synergistic antioxidant effects when used in personal careproducts including body washes, lotions, liquid hand soaps, sunscreens,shampoos, and the like. The invention also relates to the methods forpreparing skin care preparations incorporating such combinations of herbextracts, as well as the methods for caring for the skin utilizing suchpreparations.

BACKGROUND

The use of various antioxidant compositions for counteracting thedeleterious effect of free radicals upon cells of the human body iswidely studied. Free radicals are implicated in a wide variety ofdiseases of the human body. Referring particularly to diseases of theskin, the presence of free radicals on the skin results from a number ofconditions, including over-production of free radicals within the cellitself, or exposure to external forces such as ultraviolet rays, coupledwith an inability of the cell itself to defend against theover-production. The resulting excess of free radicals is known to bethe cause of various skin disabilities, such as wrinkling, lack ofelasticity, and generalized aging, and there is a need to fortify andsupplement the various antioxidant mechanisms in the body.

Many compositions have been proposed and used in the past for providingthe desired antioxidant effect, including Vitamin E (tocopherol),Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Trolox (a VitaminE analog), and the like. In addition, certain plant extracts have beenreported as having antioxidant properties, including extracts from birchBetula platyphylla) (JP-A-10-046143) and various plant extracts obtainedby extraction, with water or a lower alcohol or an aqueous lower alcoholsolution, of plants such as hibiscus, aloe, rhubarb, osei (polygonatirhizoma), bearberry leaf, enmeiso (plectranthi herba), yobaihi (nyricaecirtex), pueraria root, cnidium rhizome, atractylodes lancea rhizome,mentha leaf, glycyrriliza, peony root, coix seed, sin'i (magnoliaeflos), cinnamon bark, houttuynia herb, coptis rhizome, moutan bark,gentian, nutgall, swertia herb, geranium herb, phellodendron bark, driedginger, scutellaria root, chulling (poly porus), garlic, sage, oregano,rosemary, laurel, celery, thyme, tarragon, nutmeg, mace, clove, Japanesehorseradish, savory, basil, red pepper, roasted bean, black tea, greentea, persimmon leaf, coffee, horsetail, henon bamboo, mugwort,Cynostemma species, low striped bamboo, matrimony vine, Cyrtomiumspecies, and shiitake mushrooms (JP-A6-024937). [See US published patentapplication Publication No. 2004/0028643].

Personal care products such as body washes, lotions, liquid hand soaps,sunscreens, shampoos, and the like ordinarily contain a variety ofadditives designed to provide performance enhancing benefits such asmoisturizing, fragrance, colorant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritantproperties, and thus these personal care products provide a convenientvehicle for also applying antioxidants directly to the skin. Botanicalextracts are a source for many of the above performance enhancingproperties and accordingly are conventionally found as additives to thepersonal care products. To keep the number of additives withinreasonable bounds with respect to any particular skin care product, itwould be desirable to use herb extracts that provide not only one ormore of the performance enhancing properties but also an antioxidantproperty, and, more particularly, it would be beneficial to findcombinations of herb extracts that provide synergistic antioxidanteffects. That is, it would be useful to provide formulations ofdifferent herb extracts that would function synergistically to increasethe total antioxidant activity of the combined extracts in excess oftheir individual contributions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention comprisesmixtures of herb extracts which exert synergistic antioxidant effect andcomprise the herb ginger and at least one other herb selected from thegroup consisting of honeysuckle and sophora.

In accordance with another embodiment, the invention comprises a skincare preparation comprising a base which is medicinally acceptable fordermal application and which contains an antioxidant effective mixtureof the herb ginger and at least one other herb selected from the groupconsisting of honeysuckle and sophora. The invention also comprises amethod for the preparations of such skin preparation.

In accordance with another embodiment, the invention comprises a methodfor caring for the skin comprising applying to the skin a compositioncomprising an admixture of a base and an antioxidant effective mixtureof the herb ginger and at least one other herb selected from the groupconsisting of honeysuckle and sophora.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an XY scatter chart depicting the synergistic andnon-synergistic results from the use of various concentration ratios ofginger/honeysuckle extract mixtures.

FIG. 2 is an XY scatter chart depicting the synergistic andnon-synergistic results from the use of various concentration ratios ofginger/sophora extract mixtures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of theinvention makes reference to exemplary compositions and methods. Whilethese embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may also be realized, and that logical andprocessing changes may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presentfor the purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

In the development of the present invention, it was discovered thatcertain mixtures of extracts of the herb ginger with extracts of otherherbs such as honeysuckle and sophora provide a synergistic antioxidanteffect when prepared within certain ranges of concentration ratios. Thedetailed description of this discovery with respect to each herb mixture(i.e., ginger/honeysuckle and ginger/sophora) will be taken upseparately in the sections to follow:

Mixtures of Ginger and Honeysuckle

Ginger is an herb extract obtained from the rhizome of the perennialplant Zingiher officinale, which is indigenous to a number of Asian andEurasian areas, including China, India, Indonesia, etc. It is mentionedthroughout history not only as a candy and food ingredient but also as anatural remedy for a wide range of ailments, including use foranti-inflammatory effect. The ginger extracts used in the present studywere obtained from two different sources. The first was a powder extractordered through Nankai University in China from Sha anxi Flua TengBiology Project Co. Ltd. The second was a liquid extract obtained on themarket from Symrise GMBH & Co., KG., Holzminden, Germany under the nameActipone® Ginger. In the present specification and claims, the extractwill be referred to either as “ginger” or as “ginger (powder)” or as“ginger (liquid)”, as may be applicable.

Honeysuckle is an herb extract obtained from the dried flowers of theplant Lonicera japonica. It is mentioned throughout history not only asa candy and food ingredient but also as a natural remedy for a widerange of ailments, including use for anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant,and vasodilatory effect. The honeysuckle extracts used in the presentstudy were obtained on the market from Symrise GMBH & Co., KG.,Holzminden, Germany, under the name Actipone® Honeysuckle Flower. In thepresent specification and claims, the extract will be referred to eitheras “honeysuckle” or “honeysuckle flower.”

In the development of the present invention, the measurement ofantioxidant activity was made using the oxygen radical absorbancecapacity (ORAC) assay described in the publication by Huang, D.; Ou, B.;Hampshe-Woodill, M.; Flanagan, J. A.; and Prior, R. I., entitled“High-throughput assay of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)using a multichannel liquid handling system coupled with a microplatefluorescence reader in 96-well format”, 2002 J. Agric. Food Chem., 50,4437-4444. In these measurements, for each herb extract, thefluorescence decay curves of sodium fluorescein (Na₂Fl) induced by 2,2prime—Azobis(-amidopropane)dihydrochloride (AAPH) in the presence ofTrolox standards was evaluated. The ORAC measurement was performed at30° C. on a Synergy™ HT multi-detection microplate reader (Bio-TekInstruments, Inc., Winooski, Vt.) with an excitation wavelength of485±20 nm and emission wavelength of 530±20 nm. The plate reader wascontrolled by software KC4 3.4.

In these measurements, an 8.0×10⁻⁵ mM fresh Na₂Fl solution was madedaily by diluting the stock solution in 75 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4).AAPH (0.414 g) was completely dissolved in 10 ml of 75 mM phosphatebuffer (pH 7.4) to a final concentration of 150 mM and was kept in anice bath. Trolox standard was prepared as follows: 0.0125 g of Troloxwas dissolved in 10 ml MeOH solution to give a 0.5M stock solution. Thestock solution was diluted with the same phosphate buffer to 50, 25,12.5 and 6.25 μM, i.e. 12.5, 6.25, 3.13, and 1.56 μg/ml workingsolutions. These samples were used in each test as control. In eachtest, samples were freshly prepared by dissolving into 75 mM phosphatebuffer (pH 7.4) to make stock solution and then diluting and thephosphate buffer solution was tested as blank.

In the course of the work leading to the present invention, mixtures ofginger and honeysuckle in a number of varying concentration ratios weretested for antioxidant effectiveness using the ORAC assay method. Thefluorescence decay curves of Na₂Fl induced by AAPH in the presence ofTrolox standards for each herb extract and the combination of herbextracts were plotted after each test. Their area under the curve(A.U.C.) was calculated. The net A.U.C. was calculated asA.U.C._(sample)−A.U.C._(blank). The net A. U. C. from the combination ofherb extracts and the sum of net A. U. C. from each herb extract werelisted in table and also plotted in diagram. The results of such testingfor a first group of mixtures, using ginger and honeysuckle are setforth in the following Table 1-A:

TABLE 1-A Ginger and Honeysuckle Ginger HoneyS Sum of (Net − Sum)/ Conc.Conc. Net each Net − Sum * 100* μg/ml μg/ml A.U.C A.U.C. herb Sum % 8.90 49 43.83 6.23 0 36.87 31.7 3.12 0 21 15.83 1.56 0 13.76 8.59 0.78 09.04 3.87 0 27.26 45.67 40.5 0 19.08 31.78 26.61 0 9.54 24 18.83 0 4.7715.73 10.56 0 2.39 11.41 6.24 8.9 4.77 60.54 55.37 54.39 0.98 1.80 8.92.39 56.33 51.16 50.07 1.09 2.18 6.23 9.54 55.86 50.69 50.53 0.16 0.326.23 4.77 48.37 43.2 42.26 0.94 2.22 6.23 2.39 42.25 37.08 37.94 −0.86−2.27 3.12 19.08 54.91 49.74 42.44 7.3 17.20 3.12 9.54 38.2 33.03 34.66−1.63 −4.70 3.12 4.77 29.29 24.12 26.39 −2.27 −8.60 1.56 19.08 51.3946.22 35.2 11.02 31.31 1.56 9.54 34.2 29.03 27.42 1.61 5.87 1.56 2.3920.92 15.75 14.83 0.92 6.20 0.78 27.26 56.33 51.16 44.37 6.79 15.30 0.7819.08 42.67 37.5 30.48 7.02 23.03 0.78 9.54 25.8 20.63 22.7 −2.07 −9.120.78 2.39 12.59 7.32 10.11 −2.69 −26.61 Blank 5.17

It will be noted that, in the above Table 1-A, a positive percentagenumber in the (Net−Sum)/Sum*100 column indicates that the mixturespossesses synergistic effect, while a negative percentage numberindicates non-synergistic effect.

To summarize the synergistic and non-synergistic findings in the abovestudies, the synergistic ratios are tabulated below in Table 1-B, andthe non-synergistic ratios are set out below in Table 1-C:

TABLE 1-B Synergistic Ginger/Honeysuckle Concentration ratios GingerHoneysuckle μg/ml μg/ml 8.9 4.77 8.9 2.39 6.23 9.54 6.23 4.77 3.12 19.081.56 19.08 1.56 9.54 1.56 2.39 0.78 27.26 0.78 19.08

TABLE 1-C Non-synergistic Ginger/Honeysuckle Concentration ratios GingerHoneysuckle μg/ml μg/ml 6.23 2.39 3.12 9.54 3.12 4.77 0.78 9.54 0.782.39

The data of Tables 1-B and 1-C have been incorporated in an XY scatterchart which is presented in this application as FIG. 1. It will be notedthat the concentration ratios found to be synergistic are located withinthe area marked A on the chart.

To summarize all of the foregoing, in the embodiment of the inventioninvolving mixtures of sophora and honeysuckle, the concentration ratioswhich have been found to be synergistic are within the range of 0.5μg/ml≦C_(Ginger)≦9.0 μg/ml, 2.0 μg/ml≦C_(Honeysuckle)≦27.0 μg/ml.

Mixtures of Ginger and Sophora

In the embodiment involving mixtures of ginger and sophora, ginger isthe herb extract obtained from the rhizome of the perennial plantZingiher officinale, which is described in more detail in the previoussection. Sophora flower is the dried flower of the Japanese pagoda tree(Sophora japonica), which is native to Japan, China, Korea and otherEastern Asia countries It is described as having numerous medicinaluses, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine, including use as ananti-inflammatory agent. The sophora flower extracts used in the presentstudy were obtained from Symrise GMBH & Co., KG., Holzminden, Germany,under the name Actipone® Sophora Flower. In the present specificationand claims, the extract will be referred to either as “sophora” or as“sophora flower.”

In the development of the ginger/sophora embodiment of the presentinvention, the measurement of antioxidant activity was made using theoxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, which is described indetail in the preceding section relating to the ginger/honeysuckleembodiment.

In the course of the work leading to the present invention, mixtures ofginger and sophora in a number of varying concentration ratios weretested for antioxidant effectiveness using the ORAC assay method toobtain net A.U.C. values, and the results of such testing for a firstgroup of mixtures are set forth in the following Table 2-A:

TABLE 2-A Ginger and Sophora Ginger Sophora Sum of (Net − Sum)/ Conc.Conc. Net each Net − Sum * 100* μg/ml μg/ml A.U.C A.U.C. herb Sum % 8.90 48.06 42.89 6.23 0 36.15 30.98 3.12 0 13.58 8.41 1.56 0 14.22 9.2 0.780 9.56 4.39 0 26.36 56.29 51.12 0 18.45 38.62 33.45 0 9.23 27.22 22.05 04.61 16.74 11.57 0 2.31 11.25 6.08 8.9 9.23 68.86 63.69 64.94 −1.25−1.92 8.9 2.31 56.78 51.661 48.97 2.64 5.39 6.23 18.45 72.69 67.52 64.433.09 4.80 6.23 4.61 49.22 44.05 42.55 1..5 3.53 6.23 2.31 43.57 38.437.06 1.34 3.62 3.12 26.36 70.66 65.49 67.57 −2.08 −3.08 3.12 18.4560.39 55.22 49.9 5.32 10.66 3.12 4.61 31.02 25.85 28.02 −2.17 −7.74 1.5626.36 68.98 63.81 59.53 4.28 7.19 1.56 9.23 38.85 33.68 30.46 3.22 10.571.56 2.31 20.92 15.75 14.49 1.26 8.70 0.78 26.36 63.04 56.87 55.51 2.365.25 0.78 18.45 52.3 47.13 37.84 9.29 24.55 0.78 9.23 30.15 24.98 26.44−1.46 −5.52 0.78 2.31 14.94 9.77 10.47 −0.7 −6.69 Blank 5.02

It will be noted that, in the above Table 2-A, a positive percentagenumber in the (Net−Sum)/Sum*100 column indicates that the mixturespossesses synergistic effect, while a negative percentage numberindicates non-synergistic effect.

To summarize the synergistic and non-synergistic findings in the abovetwo studies relating to mixtures of ginger and sophora, the synergisticratios are tabulated below in Table 2-B, and the non-synergistic ratiosare set out below in Table 2-C:

TABLE 2-B Synergistic Ginger/Sophora Concentration ratios Ginger Sophoraμg/ml μg/ml 8.9 2.31 6.23 18.45 6.23 4.61 6.23 2.31 3.12 18.45 1.5626.36 1.56 9.23 1.56 2.31 0.78 26.36 0.78 18.45

TABLE 2-C Non-synergistic Ginger/Sophora Concentration ratios GingerSophora μg/ml μg/ml 8.9 9.23 3.12 26.36 3.12 4.61 0.78 9.23 0.78 2.31

The data of Tables 2-B and 2-C have been incorporated in an XY scatterchart which is presented in this application as FIG. 2, relating tomixtures of ginger and sophora extracts. It will be noted that theconcentration ratios found to be synergistic are located within the areamarked A on the chart.

To summarize the above data for the embodiment of the inventioninvolving mixtures of ginger and sophora extracts, the concentrationratios which have been found to be synergistic are within the range of0.5 μg/ml≦C_(Ginger)≦9.0 μg/ml, 2.0 μg/ml≦C_(Sophora)≦27.0 μg/ml.

In the practice of the invention, the plant extract combinationsmentioned above may be included in any suitable skin care basesmedicinally acceptable for dermal application, including various baseformulations such as liquids, creams, gels; foams, lotions, body washes,liquid hand soaps, shampoos, antiperspirants, deodorants, and the like.Such base formulations conventionally contain known skin careingredients, such as found in “CFTA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook,” J. M.Nikitakis, ed., The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, Inc.,Washington, D.C. (1988), incorporated herein by reference. Suchingredients include, but not by way of limitation, numerous enhancingelements, such as alcohols, oleaginous substances, surfactants,preservatives, emollients, perfumes, colorants, humectants, thickeningagents, skin care agents, water-soluble polymers, chelating agents, pHadjusting agents, foaming agents, antimicrobial agents, vitamins, andthe like.

Examples of the above-mentioned surfactants include, but are not limitedto, lauryl sulfates, octyl sulfates, 2-ethylhexyl sulfates, lauramineoxides, decyl sulfates, tridecyl sulfates, cocoates, laurylsulfosuccinates, lauryl sarcosinates, lauryl ether sulfates (1 and 2moles ethylene oxide), myristamine oxide, ricinoleates, cetyl sulfates,alkyl glucosides, and similar surfactants.

Examples of the above preservatives include benzoic acid salts,salicylic acid salts, sorbic acid salts, dehydroacetic acid salts,parahydroxybenzoic acid esters, benzalkonlium chloride,2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide,hinokitiol, resorcinol, and ethanol.

Examples of humectants include glycerin, sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate,and the like. Examples of foam stabilizers include cetyl alcohol,cetearyl alcohol, stearic acid, and the like. Examples of skin careagents include guar gum, hydroxyethylcellulose,hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, hydrolyzed wheatprotein, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, and the like.

The actual formulation of the skin care consumer products incorporatingthe plant extract combinations of the present invention is throughstandard methods of manufacturing. All the liquid formulations areeasily made in batch mixtures, with addition of water usually first,such that the liquid is above the mixing impeller within the tank. Thenthe specialty chemicals, such as the surfactants are added, followed bythe dyes, preservatives, plant extract combinations, etc. The methods ofmanufacture are well known.

The following examples are presented for the purpose of furtherillustrating various formulations of skin care bases incorporating theplant extracts of the present invention and are not to be taken aslimiting in any regard.

Example 1 Liquid Hand Soap Formulation with Ginger/Honeysuckle HerbExtracts

Active Ingredient Wt (%) Water (Purified) 75.280 Sodium XylenneSulfonate 15.000 Dipropylenen Glycol 5.000 Ammoniun Lauryl Sulfate 2.500Triclosan 0.975 Cocamidopropyl Betaine 0.750 Fragrance 0.200 SodiumPhosphate 0.129 Citric Acid 0.066 Ginger extract 0.020 Honeysuckleflower extract 0.080

Example 2 Body Wash Formulation with Ginger/Honeysuckle Herb Extracts

Active Ingredient Wt (%) Water (D.I) 84.462 Polyquaternium-10 0.200Tetrasodium EDTA 0.010 Glycerin 1.000 PEG-8 3.000 Cocamidopropyl Betaine5.200 Sodium Laureth Sulfate 5.500 Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride0.123 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.010 Isostearamidopropyl Morpholine Lactate0.100 Citric Acid, Anhydrous 0.040 Hydantoin 0.055 Ginger extract 0.020Honeysuckle flower extract 0.080 Fragrance 0.200 Sodium Chloride 0.001

Example 3 Roll-On Antiperspirant Formulation with Ginger/HoneysuckleHerb Extracts

Active Ingredient Wt (%) Cyclomethicone DC 245 78.100 Quaternium-18Hectorite 4.500 Propylene Carbonate 1.000 Summit AAZG-3108 16.300 Gingerextract 0.020 Honeysuckle flower extract 0.080

Example 4 Lotion Formulation with Ginger/Honeysuckle Herb Extracts

Active Ingredient Wt (%) Water (D.I) 84.630 Glycerin 5.300 Stearic Acid2.000 Octyl Palmitate 1.750 Petrolatum 1.200 Glyceryl Stearate 1.200Ethylene Glycol Monostearate 1.200 Cetyl Alcohol 0.750 Dimethicone 0.500Fragrance 0.500 Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate 0.300Methylparaben 0.200 Carbomer 0.150 Ginger extract 0.020 Honeysuckleflower extract 0.080 Propylparaben 0.100 Sodium Hydroxide 0.100Tetrasodium EDTA 0.020

Example 5 Liquid Hand Soap Formulation with Ginger/Sophora Herb Extracts

Active Ingredient Wt (%) Water (Purified) 75.280 Sodium XylenneSulfonate 15.000 Dipropylenen Glycol 5.000 Ammoniun Lauryl Sulfate 2.500Triclosan 0.975 Cocamidopropyl Betaine 0.750 Fragrance 0.200 SodiumPhosphate 0.129 Citric Acid 0.066 Ginger extract 0.020 Sophora extract0.080

Example 6 Body Wash Formulation with Ginger/Sophora Herb Extracts

Active Ingredient Wt (%) Water (D.I) 84.462 Polyquaternium-10 0.200Tetrasodium EDTA 0.010 Glycerin 1.000 PEG-8 3.000 Cocamidopropyl Betaine5.200 Sodium Laureth Sulfate 5.500 Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride0.123 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.010 Isostearamidopropyl Morpholine Lactate0.100 Citric Acid, Anhydrous 0.040 Hydantoin 0.055 Ginger extract 0.020Sophora extract 0.080 Fragrance 0.200 Sodium Chloride 0.001

Example 7 Roll-On Antiperspirant Formulation with Ginger/Sophora HerbExtracts

Active Ingredient Wt (%) Cyclomethicone DC 245 78.100 Quaternium-18Hectorite 4.500 Propylene Carbonate 1.000 Summit AAZG-3108 16.300 Gingerextract 0.020 Sophora extract 0.080

Example 8 Lotion Formulation with Ginger/Sophora Herb Extracts

Active Ingredient Wt (%) Water (D.I) 84.630 Glycerin 5.300 Stearic Acid2.000 Octyl Palmitate 1.750 Petrolatum 1.200 Glyceryl Stearate 1.200Ethylene Glycol Monostearate 1.200 Cetyl Alcohol 0.750 Dimethicone 0.500Fragrance 0.500 Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate 0.300Methylparaben 0.200 Carbomer 0.150 Ginger extract 0.020 Sophora extract0.080 Propylparaben 0.100 Sodium Hydroxide 0.100 Tetrasodium EDTA 0.020

While numerous exemplary embodiments of the invention have beenpresented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, itshould be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It shouldalso be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples,and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configurationof the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed descriptionwill provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map forimplementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it beingunderstood that various changes may be made in the function andarrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention set forth in the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents.

1. A skin care composition comprising a mixture of ginger andhoneysuckle extracts which exerts synergistic antioxidant effect and inwhich the ginger and honeysuckle are within the concentration range of0.5 μg/ml≦C_(Ginger)≦9.0 μg/ml, 2.0 μg/ml≦C_(Honeysuckle)≦27.0 μg/ml. 2.A skin care composition of herb extracts which provides synergisticantioxidant effects, comprising a mixture of ginger and honeysuckleextracts having a concentration falling approximately within the areamarked A in the chart shown in FIG. 1 hereof.
 3. A skin care preparationcomprising a base medicinally acceptable for dermal application havingmixed therein the composition of herb extracts as defined in claim
 1. 4.A skin care preparation comprising a base medicinally acceptable fordermal application having mixed therein the composition of herb extractsas defined in claim
 2. 5. A method for making a skin care preparation,the method comprising admixing a base and the synergistic antioxidantcomposition as defined in claim
 1. 6. A method for making a skin carepreparation, the method comprising admixing a base and the synergisticantioxidant composition as defined in claim
 2. 7. A method for caringfor the skin comprising applying to the skin a skin care preparation asdefined in claim
 3. 8. A method for caring for the skin comprisingapplying to the skin a skin care preparation as defined in claim 4.